One theme that we’ve been emphasizing recently at the Memphis International Airport is “The Relentless Pursuit of Frequent and Affordable Air Service.” How did we get here? What does this mean? And, what are we doing about it?

For about 20 years, MEM and the Mid-South were blessed to have more air service than the local market could support. Historically, our local market purchased between 30 and 40 percent of the seats offered. What that means is that 60-70 percent of the seats were purchased by people transferring or switching planes in Memphis. While having a transfer hub offered tremendous opportunities for over 90 non-stop travel destinations, it also created higher-priced air fares. It also created an environment where new low-cost airlines viewed MEM startup as a risky venture at best.

We only expect about two percent of our passengers to be transfer passengers this fiscal year. That means that MEM has become an origin and destination or “O&D” airport. As Delta continued to eliminate flights, MEM became more and more enticing as a market. The potential of the opportunity was clearly becoming “real” as we gained momentum by adding service from both new and existing airlines. more »

A Message From Scott Brockman, President and CEO, Memphis International Airport (photo by Skipworth Photography)

Several airlines serving MEM are expanding their service this fall. In September, Frontier Airlines will begin four weekly flights to Washington-Dulles Airport (IAD). In November, Southwest Airlines will add a second flight to Houston Hobby (HOU), while United Airlines will add an additional nonstop flight to George Bush International Airport (IAH). In addition, charter company Vacation Express began offering flights to the Bahamas on August 11. These additional flights help to offset Delta’s announcement that it will cease its nonstop service to Denver International Airport (DEN) in September and to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) in October. Delta will also temporarily suspend its nonstop flight to McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas (LAS) in November.

The Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA) is continuing its relentless pursuit to add frequent and affordable air service through airline meetings at the upcoming World Routes 2014 Forum September 20-23.

The event, which takes place in Chicago this year, is expected to draw 3,000 aviation professionals, with representation from 300 airlines, 800 airports and 200 tourism authorities.

This forum allows for numerous pre-arranged meetings between airport executives, airlines, charter operators, and other aviation professionals. more »

Apron Reconstruction
The apron reconstruction project – which essentially involves the replacement of aging concrete outside of the B Concourse (parking area for arriving and departing aircraft) —is entering its final phase. Phase two, which involves the replacement of the apron on the west side of the B concourse, should be completed by mid-September. Phase three, which involves the replacement of the apron on the south side of the B Concourse, began in June and should be completed next summer. While this project is not officially part of the Terminal Modernization project, it must be completed before consolidation on the B Concourse can occur.

Airline Consolidation into B Concourse
MEM anticipates beginning to relocate airlines to the B Concourse in late spring or early summer 2015. This move will be contingent on other construction contracts including removal of the south end of the A Concourse and paving this area with concrete. more »

Three parking options are available for passengers at MEM. All three have good lighting and 24 hour security. The prices listed below are per day costs.

• Short Term – $21/day
• Long Term – $11/day
• Economy – $6/day

You may park in any of the three parking lots for short or extended stays. The price difference is based on the distance to the terminal building. Choose one of the options and follow the directional signs accordingly. You can get additional information at www.mempark.com.

Photo by Jeffery Jacobs Photography Inc.

Airport Statistics Highlights

June 2014

June 2013

Year-to-Date 2014

Year-to-Date 2013

Total Passengers

319,109

430,546

1,771,460

2,454,472

Total Cargo Handled (lbs)

744,402,820

753,818,891

4,647,824,221

4,477,532,103

Total Aircraft Operations

18,261

19,533

107,435

117,857

For the full statistical report on Memphis International Airport, click here.